Neymar Jr. speaks about Cristiano Ronaldo after the Al Hilal win over Al Nassr last week.
Neymar does his trademark celebration while Cristiano Ronaldo looks dejected as he wears the Al Nassr jersey. (Source: Al Hilal, Getty Images)
Neymar Jr. and Al Hilal got the best out of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr last week in the King’s Cup Final as it ended 1-1, but the Saudi Pro League champions won 5-4 on penalties. Neymar was a part of Ronaldo’s humiliation in the stands, and the Al Hilal fans chanted Lionel Messi’s name to annoy Ronaldo. The Brazilian star was laughing and recorded the moment on his phone. But despite this, he still had respect and admiration for CR7 despite never playing together and having faced each other as rivals. When asked about Ronaldo’s age potentially motivating him to play more years in football, the Brazilian star said, “No, it differs from one person to another. Cristiano is a great example that playing football has no specific age. The will is different for every player and every person. There are players who retired at the age of 30 and 34 and others at the age of 42, so it differs from one person to another.”
Neymar also praises his teammate in the Brazilian national team, Thiago Silva, who is also 39 years old and was playing at a high level. Neymar uses this example as a way to look up to Ronaldo as he wants more Brazilian players to follow that level at that age. Silva played with Chelsea this past season in the Premier League at 29 years old, where he made 38 appearances across all competitions.
Neymar said, “People talk a lot about Cristiano Ronaldo of course because he is one of the biggest names in football but we have a Brazilian who is almost the same age if I’m not mistaken in Thiago Silva. He still plays at a high level today. This is something I think is missing in us Brazilians.”
Neymar on his life in Saudi Arabia
Neymar joined Al Hilal last summer from PSG and played a total of five matches with his new club before he suffered an ACL injury. Neymar was asked about how he has adapted to life in Saudi Arabia, and he said, “The truth is that the change was sudden, but I see it in a very good way. The country is growing. They are changing a lot of things in the Arab world. The city is amazing, and I really enjoy the experience. Unfortunately, I was not able to help Al Hilal.”